Story perspectives

Lavrov Rejects NATO Bases as Russia Meets Taliban in Moscow

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 5:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Russia Hosts Taliban Talks

Russia hosted Afghanistan consultations in Moscow with Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and regional representatives.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pledged humanitarian aid for over 17 million Afghans facing winter food insecurity.
Lavrov declared NATO bases in Afghanistan or neighboring states categorically unacceptable.
Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned Pakistani airstrikes that killed civilians, including women and children.
Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban government in July 2025.

Summary

Pakistan Airstrikes Kill Civilians

UNAMA reported at least ten civilians, mostly children, killed and nine injured in recent Pakistani airstrikes.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information said the strikes killed 22 militants and destroyed large weapons caches.
Reuters identified three houses in Kunar and Helmand provinces as the specific targets.
The European Union urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue.

History

Historical Context

December 1979 saw the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan with about 115,000 troops, igniting a ten-year war that killed up to three million Afghans and forced three million refugees into Pakistan. U.S. and Pakistani aid to the mujahideen made the conflict a Cold-War flashpoint. Russia’s July 2025 recognition of the Taliban and humanitarian pledge mirrors that historic pattern of great-power intervention.

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Russia Hosts Taliban Talks

Russia hosted Afghanistan consultations in Moscow with Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and regional representatives.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pledged humanitarian aid for over 17 million Afghans facing winter food insecurity.
Lavrov declared NATO bases in Afghanistan or neighboring states categorically unacceptable.
Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned Pakistani airstrikes that killed civilians, including women and children.
Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban government in July 2025.

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